1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 95 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 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
