1986 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (240 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 651 kg more than 1986 BMW M5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 BMW M5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
