1972 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Porsche 911
To start off, 1987 Porsche 911 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 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 911 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1987 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1987 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
