1996 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525.
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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
