1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 34 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | A |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.5 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 | 1365 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 | 5.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |