1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 23 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML (503 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 740 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | ML |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1951 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1862 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2913 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
