1988 BMW 525 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 720 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
