1988 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 40.
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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1971 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1971 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 125 L |
