2009 BMW 120 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 410 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 251 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
