1972 BMW 520 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 99 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
