1995 BMW M5 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 23 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 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 280 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, 1995 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
