2008 BMW 540 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 2008 BMW 540 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2008 BMW 540.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 540. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 540 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | 560 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5547 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 296 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 464 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 251 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2850 mm |
