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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 350 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. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (459 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 269 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 | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2355 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
