1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Audi S4
To start off, 2012 Audi S4 is newer by 40 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Audi S4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi S4 (333 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520.
Because 2012 Audi S4 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi S4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi S4 (440 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Audi S4 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 520 | S4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4704 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1829 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2809 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
