1996 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1996 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
