1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 767 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1500 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1500 | S |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2950 mm |
