1988 BMW 524 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 67 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 524 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
