1972 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 270 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
