1975 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 660 kg more than 1975 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
