1978 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (121 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
