2005 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 S (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 520 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| 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 | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
