2009 BMW 550 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 500 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 550 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 360 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 489 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2640 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |