1997 BMW 850 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 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 108 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (440 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3210 mm |
