1996 BMW 540 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 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 128 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1985 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 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 224 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |