1988 BMW 525 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 355 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
