1978 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
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) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
