2008 BMW 550 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
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, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | 300S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
