1983 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 25 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 925 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | R |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
