1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Seat Altea
To start off, 2003 Seat Altea 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 2 more horse power than 2003 Seat Altea. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Seat Altea. 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 Seat Altea, 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 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2003 Seat Altea has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Seat Altea | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 520 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
