1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 410 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 S 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 S 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 S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
