1978 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 29 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz B.
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, both vehicles can yield 280 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | B |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7.6 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 | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
