1974 BMW 518 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1974 BMW 518 is newer by 2 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 23 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 518 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 518 | 520 |
Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2640 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |