1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 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 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
