2005 BMW 320 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 192 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
