2003 BMW 530 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
