1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
