2004 BMW 116 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2004 BMW 116. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2004 BMW 116. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 116. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 116 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 116 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 116 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
