2009 BMW 135 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 135 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
