1996 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 171 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 383 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3170 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |