1972 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 42 L |
