2004 BMW 525 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 15 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 57 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 262 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, 2004 BMW 525 (390 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
