1972 BMW 520 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 4 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (95 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 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. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 155 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 | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
