1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 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), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (121 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 325 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
