1993 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 485 kg more than 2012 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 520 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
