1973 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1973 BMW 525. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
