1973 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 458 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 850 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
