1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 215 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 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
