1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1989 BMW Z1 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW Z1 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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 Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW Z1 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | Z1 | 520 |
Year Released | 1989 | 1972 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |