2004 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 196 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
