1977 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 320 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 6.3 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 | 1565 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
