1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 490 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
