1999 BMW 740 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1999 BMW 740 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 740 (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 740 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 740 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 740 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3899 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2035 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2850 mm |
