1972 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 41 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 575 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.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
