1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 BMW X5
To start off, 2003 BMW X5 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X5 (227 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X5 weights approximately 625 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 2003 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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 X5 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X5 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 X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 17.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 93 L |
