1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 BMW X5
To start off, 2005 BMW X5 is newer by 33 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW X5 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW X5 weights approximately 940 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 2005 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 BMW X5 (520 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 BMW X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 93 L |
