2002 BMW 320 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 BMW 320 is newer by 30 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 320 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 2002 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 320 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
