2008 BMW 530 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
