1991 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 381 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz S. 2010 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1991 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1991 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz S | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 550 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2598 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3066 mm |
