1972 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 545 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.9 mm |
| 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 | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
