1978 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 27 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 2,683 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2683 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
