1972 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Vectra (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 305 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 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, 2007 Opel Vectra, 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
