1972 BMW 520 vs. 1995 Ford Contour
To start off, 1995 Ford Contour is newer by 23 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. Both 1972 BMW 520 and 1995 Ford Contour are equipped with a 1,989 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Contour weights approximately 12 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.
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, 1995 Ford Contour, 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, 1995 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1995 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
