1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 531 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW Turbo has manual transmission. 1972 BMW Turbo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Turbo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
