2008 BMW 523 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | 190 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
