1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche 911 (473 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 Porsche 911.
Because 2009 Porsche 911 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, 2009 Porsche 911 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, 2009 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 473 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 310 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
