1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 273 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2968 mm |
