1988 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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 CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
