1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5. (296 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | ActiveHybrid 5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2968 mm |
