1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 112 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 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4427 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
