2009 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
