1972 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 39 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
