1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
