1990 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,146 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 243 kg more than 1990 BMW 520. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | E |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
