1972 BMW 520 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
