1988 BMW M5 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
