1988 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (149 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 130 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
