1988 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 23 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 365 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
