2004 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, both vehicles can yield 410 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
