1986 BMW M5 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 97 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |
