1990 BMW 850 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (603 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 430 kg more than 1990 BMW 850. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
