2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen K 70 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 101 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen K 70. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1972 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
