1988 BMW 530 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 223 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz B.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 530. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 530. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | B |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
