1988 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 43 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang.
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 Ford Mustang (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang 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 | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1527 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
