1978 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 33 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), 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 400 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | A |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
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 | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |