1988 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 287 kg more than 1988 BMW 530.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 530. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | G |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
