1990 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 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 104 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 189 kg more than 1990 BMW 525.
Because 1990 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | A |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
