1998 BMW 325 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
