1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 BMW M5 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M5 weights approximately 528 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 M5 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1758 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
