1986 BMW M5 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 161 kg more than 1986 BMW M5. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 62 L |
