1988 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 6,208 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 22 kg more than 1988 BMW M5. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
