1972 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 35 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 270 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 2007 BMW 330 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, 2007 BMW 330 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, 2007 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
