1998 BMW 730 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 BMW 730 is newer by 12 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 79 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 730. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
