2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
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 | 175 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |