1996 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 595 kg more than 1996 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm) has 611 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 2091 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
