1978 BMW 520 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220.
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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
