1996 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 328 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
