1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 39 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 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 Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
