1989 BMW 850 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
