1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 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 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 BMW 316. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 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 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
