1974 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 155 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 | 1240 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
