1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 25 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3 : 1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4591 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2008 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1444 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
