1999 BMW 529 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1999 BMW 529 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 BMW 529. (193 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 529.
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, 1999 BMW 529 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 529 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 529 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 529 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 529 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 529 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
