1981 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 316 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
