1972 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Jaguar XJR
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJR 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 5,996 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJR (318 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJR should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJR weights approximately 355 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, 1989 Jaguar XJR (476 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1989 Jaguar XJR has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1989 Jaguar XJR | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 520 | XJR |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 476 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 91 L |
