1988 BMW M5 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 18 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 43 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 52 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (350 Nm). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
