2005 BMW 740 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 BMW 740 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 740 (328 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 740 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1974 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 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 740 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2870 mm |
