2009 BMW 320 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 155 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, 2009 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 320 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 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 320 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |