1988 BMW M5 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G. (217 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 417 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW M5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G. (300 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz G. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | G |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
