1989 BMW 850 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1972 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 850 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3100 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
