1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 102 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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 Passat, 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 Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 520 | Passat |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 12.2 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 | 1547 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4771 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1516 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |