1996 BMW 735 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1996 BMW 735 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 BMW 735. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 735. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 735. (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 735. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 735 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 735 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 735 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
