2005 BMW 525 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 162 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2940 mm |
