1996 BMW 840 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 224 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
