1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 67 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, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
