1972 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 30 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 2,147 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 155 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 12.1 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 | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
