1978 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 115 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
