The Mercedes-Benz 500E battled the Audi RS2 and BMW M5 in a new test

Professionals and speed enthusiasts alike recognize that modern automatic and dual-clutch transmissions are faster than manual transmissions. However, others believe that things were different in the past. Hagerty’s YouTube channel with 2.8 million subscribers posted videos proving that mechanics were faster than mechanics even in the 90s.

In this video, the Mercedes-Benz 500E with automatic transmission is compared to the Audi RS2 and BMW M5, which are equipped with manual transmission. Of course, transmission isn’t the only benefit of Mercedes’ 5.0-liter V8 engine. The BMW has a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, while the Audi has only 2.2 liters with five cylinders.

However, the RS2 is turbocharged, meaning it produces 311 hp. Meanwhile, the European version of the M5 produces 335 hp. which is actually more than the Mercedes, which produces only 322 hp.

Its big engine is capable of producing 480 Nm of torque, which is more than its competitors can produce. The turbocharged Audi can produce 409 Nm of torque, while the BMW inline-six engine produces 400 Nm.

That torque helps the Mercedes 500E a lot in the quarter mile. The large displacement and variable valve timing mean that the engine delivers enough torque to the wheels throughout the rev range.

Despite the long first gear at 49 mph, it’s almost the same as the other two cars at the start. Its old school shift system instead of cutting power so every time it shifts it puts it ahead of the other two cars.

Hagerty

As a result, the Mercedes was 0.9 seconds faster than the Audi and 0.8 seconds faster than the BMW in the quarter mile. And this despite the worst power-to-weight ratio.