1981 BMW 725 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 725 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
