1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (445 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 911 weights approximately 360 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 445 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 307 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
