1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 565 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 627 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| 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 | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
