1989 BMW 850 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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 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 75 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 515 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3090 mm |
