2009 BMW 550 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 58 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 4,798 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | 300S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4798 cc | 2996 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
