1972 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2001 Porsche 996.
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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
