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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 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 370 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2007 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
