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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 15 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 510 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |