2006 BMW M3 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 34 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
