1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 90 kg more than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
