1981 BMW 745 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 255 kg more than 1981 BMW 745.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 745 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 745 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 745 | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
