1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 375 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.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| 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 | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
