1977 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 680 kg more than 1977 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
