1988 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 65 kg more than 2013 BMW 5 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1988 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz G | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | G | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
