1996 BMW 540 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (120 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 13.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
