1972 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 37 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1600 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
