1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 75 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 69 L |
