1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 31 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
