2005 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 BMW 520 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | 380 |
Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 215 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2940 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |