1988 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 20 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 150 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
