2009 BMW 120 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
