1972 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 41 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (613 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 463 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 800 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 809 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0 : 1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5106 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2139 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1428 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2955 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 17.4 L/100km |
