1996 BMW 528 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1989 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 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 528 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
