Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors (1979 – 1991) vs BMW 7 Series (1977 – 1986): specs compared

The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors is the more powerful of the two, with up to 300 hp against 252 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 s against 7.5 s. It has the higher top speed: 250 km/h against 222 km/h. It uses less fuel, from 10.7 L/100 km against 11.5 L/100 km. The BMW 7 Series is the lighter car, from 1,480 kg against 1,520 kg. At 5,159 mm, the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors is 300 mm longer than the BMW 7 Series. The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors dates from 1979 – 1991, the BMW 7 Series from 1977 – 1986.

Specification Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors 1979 – 1991 BMW 7 Series BMW 7 Series 1977 – 1986
Overview
Origin Germany Germany
Documented years 1979 – 1991 1977 – 1986
Body style — —
Variants 16 16
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Drive RWD RWD
Gearbox Automatic · Manual Automatic · Manual
Performance
Power 156 – 300 hp 150 – 252 hp
Torque 225 – 455 Nm 211 – 380 Nm
0–100 km/h 6.9 – 10.2 s 7.5 – 13.0 s
Top speed 200 – 250 km/h 183 – 222 km/h
Economy
Fuel economy 10.7 – 14.1 L/100 km 11.5 – 15.0 L/100 km
Dimensions
Length 5,019 – 5,159 mm 4,859 mm
Width 1,821 mm 1,798 mm
Height 1,438 mm 1,430 mm
Wheelbase 2,936 – 3,071 mm 2,799 mm
Curb weight 1,520 – 1,815 kg 1,480 – 1,645 kg

Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.

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