1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 262 kg more than 2012 BMW 520. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
