1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 123 weights approximately 40 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.
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, 2012 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
