1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
