2009 BMW 120 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 220 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 29.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
