1981 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 595 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | CLS |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 264 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 15.5:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |