2008 BMW 523 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
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 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 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 50 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 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:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
