1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 193 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1798 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
