2008 BMW 523 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 31 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
