1972 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1987 Mazda 929 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 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 929 (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mazda 929 (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
