1994 BMW 854 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1994 BMW 854 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,378 cc (12 cylinders), 1994 BMW 854 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 854 (323 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 854 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 854 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1974 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, 1994 BMW 854 (490 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 854 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 854 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 854 | S |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5378 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2870 mm |
