1988 BMW 520 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (286 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 weights approximately 434 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3150 mm |
