1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 960 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 2008 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
