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 (530 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 417 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 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 430 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 (699 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 534 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2012 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1989 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
