1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2008 Toyota Avalon 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Avalon (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Toyota Avalon.
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 Toyota Avalon, 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2008 Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
