1996 BMW 540 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1977 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
