1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2005 Ford Explorer 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2005 Ford Explorer.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
