2003 BMW 318 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 31 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
