1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2008 Renault Laguna 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Laguna (139 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Laguna weights approximately 214 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, 2008 Renault Laguna, 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, 2008 Renault Laguna (195 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
