1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XJ 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XJ (400 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 289 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, 2008 Jaguar XJ (560 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2008 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 520 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1734 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 84 L |
