1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2840 mm |
