1988 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 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 7,410 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (612 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 483 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 480 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (848 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 674 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 7410 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 612 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 848 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 325 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2050 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
