2006 BMW X5 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2006 BMW X5 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X5 (228 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 BMW X5.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2006 BMW X5 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X5 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X5 | G |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
