1985 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 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, 2012 BMW X5 (576 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | X5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2933 mm |
