1981 BMW 528 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 740 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 528 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
