1968 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SE | 523 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
