1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 27 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 18 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 69 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 500 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
