1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 345 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
