1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
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 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
