2006 BMW 525 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3080 mm |
