1972 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2000 Ford Taurus is newer by 28 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 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (201 HP) has 88 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Taurus weights approximately 276 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, 2000 Ford Taurus, 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2000 Ford Taurus 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. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2000 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
