1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1320 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1966 BMW 1600 has manual transmission. 1966 BMW 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | S |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2890 mm |
