1988 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 19 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
