1981 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 30 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1610 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLC |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
