1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SE | 550 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
