1972 BMW 520 vs. 2004 McLaren F1
To start off, 2004 McLaren F1 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 McLaren F1 (619 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 469 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 McLaren F1.
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 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2004 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | BMW | McLaren |
| Model | 520 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 619 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
