1959 BMW 507 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1959 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 305 kg more than 1959 BMW 507. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 507. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 507. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 BMW 507 has manual transmission. 1959 BMW 507 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 507 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
