1972 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 33 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 245 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 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 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
