1989 Austin Montego vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1989 Austin Montego is newer by 17 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 28 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1989 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Montego | 520 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
