1990 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 90 kg more than 1990 BMW 525.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
