1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
