1962 BMW 1800 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1092 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1800 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1800 | S |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
