1972 BMW 520 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 15 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SE |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
