1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 1997 BMW 730 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 730. (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 730 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2940 mm |
