1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (420 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1004 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2449 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
