1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 36 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 2008 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2008 BMW 318 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. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 318 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.3 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 | 1445 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |