1992 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1992 BMW 520. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 13 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
