1988 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
