1972 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Honda Insight
To start off, 2013 Honda Insight 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2013 Honda Insight. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2013 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Insight weights approximately 20 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, 2013 Honda Insight, 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, 2013 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2013 Honda Insight | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8 : 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4377 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
