1995 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1995 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1995 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1995 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 520 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
