2008 BMW 120 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 286 kg more than 2008 BMW 120. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
