1972 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 25 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 125 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (410 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| 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 | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 69 L |
