2004 BMW 316 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
