1972 BMW 520 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 1 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 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 297 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
