1996 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 168 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 480 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
