1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 640 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 S (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
