1975 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 440 kg more than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. (227 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 227 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
