1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | 420 | 550 |
Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4196 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 219 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 329 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4905 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1859 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1463 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2969 mm |