1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
