1996 BMW 525 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
