1998 BMW M vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW M is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 145 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW M | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M | S |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 328 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 340 Nm | 306 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1595 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |