2005 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 BMW 530 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
