1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 220 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 28.1 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
