1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2012 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 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 350 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
