1972 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 32 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 615 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (305 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
