1985 BMW M5 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 310 kg more than 1985 BMW M5. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
