2009 Bentley Continental GT vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 37 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 5,996 cc, 2009 Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Bentley Continental GT (592 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 442 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Bentley Continental GT weights approximately 1250 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.
Because 2009 Bentley Continental GT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Bentley Continental GT will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Bentley Continental GT (553 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 Bentley Continental GT has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Bentley Continental GT will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Bentley Continental GT | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Bentley | BMW |
| Model | Continental GT | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5996 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 592 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 553 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 325 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2695 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3120 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 23.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
