1997 BMW 850 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
