1996 BMW 523 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 40 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S (316 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
