2009 BMW 730 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 730 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 BMW 730. (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 730 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 730 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2950 mm |
