1989 BMW 518 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 975 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 636 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
