1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1979 BMW M1 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 83 kg more than 1979 BMW M1.
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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (157 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 220 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 21.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 116 L |
