1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2013 BMW 7 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 7 Series is newer by 28 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 7 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 7 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 7 Series should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 7 Series weights approximately 577 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.
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 7 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 7 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 7 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 7 Series |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5214 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2134 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3210 mm |
