2008 BMW 740 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2008 BMW 740 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 740 (303 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 740 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 2008 BMW 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 740 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3080 mm |
