1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2670 mm |
