1972 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 38 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 20 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.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
