1978 BMW 725 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1978 BMW 725 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 725 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3310 mm |
