2004 BMW 520 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 32 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 440 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, 2004 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
