1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 34 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), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 245 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 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 | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
