1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 283 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
