1996 BMW 325 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 BMW 325 is newer by 24 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 BMW 325.
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, 1996 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
