1981 BMW 525 vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190. (120 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 78 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
