1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is newer by 14 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 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7 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 | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
