1972 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Honda Accord

To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 17 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (133 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (179 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.

Compare all specifications:

1972 BMW 520 1989 Honda Accord
Make BMW Honda
Model 520 Accord
Year Released 1972 1989
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1991 cc 1997 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 150 HP 133 HP
Engine RPM 5900 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 190 Nm 179 Nm
Torque RPM 4200 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 85 mm
Engine Stroke Size 66 mm 88 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 9.5:1
Top Speed 211 km/hour 200 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 10.6 seconds 9.2 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1445 kg 1260 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4690 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2730 mm