1983 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 800 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
