1996 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 13 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | B |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
