1972 BMW 520 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 2004 BMW 318 (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
