1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 284 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
