1972 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Porsche Boxter
To start off, 2013 Porsche Boxter 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. In terms of performance, 2013 Porsche Boxter (261 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Porsche Boxter should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Porsche Boxter weights approximately 110 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 2013 Porsche Boxter is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Porsche Boxter 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, 2013 Porsche Boxter (279 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Porsche Boxter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2013 Porsche Boxter | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxter |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5 : 1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1979 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1282 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2475 mm |
