1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 34 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 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 480 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 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
