1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 2009 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 250 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
