1972 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Honda Prelude
To start off, 2001 Honda Prelude is newer by 29 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Prelude (195 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2001 Honda Prelude.
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, 2001 Honda Prelude, 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, 2001 Honda Prelude (212 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm). This means 2001 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2001 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
