2009 BMW 335 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520.
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 335 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 335 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
