1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 35 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 667 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1500 | E |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2840 mm |
