1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 37 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 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (176 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 410 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 120 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
