1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 115 kg more than 1990 BMW 850. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 850 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 52 L |
