2009 BMW 525 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 55 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 525 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 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 10.6 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 | 1500 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
