1972 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 40 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano (440 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
