1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 BMW 123. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 123. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 51 kg more than 2012 BMW 123. 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, 2012 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
