1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 20 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, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
