1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2890 mm |
