1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Prius weights approximately 150 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, 2011 Toyota Prius, 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
