2009 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
