1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 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), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
