1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 119 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 120 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1326 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |