1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 435 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | CLK |
Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 245 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1665 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |