1979 Mercedes-Benz CW vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW would be higher. At 6,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (395 HP @ 5160 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | CW | 520 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6328 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5160 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1464 mm |
