1995 BMW 317 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 255 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 317 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
