1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 45 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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 Opel Vectra, 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
