1996 BMW 525 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 11 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 193 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz B.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | B |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |
