1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 120 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.
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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 523 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 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 523 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |