autoevolution
 

E39 BMW M5 vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550, The Apple-To-Orange Drag Race

As we mentioned in the title, pitting an E39 M5 against a Mercedes-Benz S550 in a drag race will lead to the kind of apple-to-orange comparison. However, if we check out the status of the Merc, that conclusion no longer seems 100 percent valid.
E39 BMW M5 vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 drag race 1 photo
Photo: Youtube screenshot
Yes, these slabs of Germany come from different eras and are also separated by a segment gap, but, in a way, the S550 owes its understated acceleration performance to cars like the E39 M5.

You see, the Mercedes S550 you can find in a showroom nowadays allows the driver to control 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque while being the "entry-level" S-Class you can buy in the US.

And if it hadn't been for German Power War veterans such as the M5 we have here, the situation would've probably been different - in a way, this connection between the two seems to be the most serious part of this "comparo". Come to think of it, we don't see why an aficionado with a family couldn't adorn his gatage with both of these V8 sedans.

After all, the greatest difference between the Bimmer and the Merc is not the one you'll see in the video. Instead, that has to do with the way in which the two drive, as the first is a member of the analog breed, while the second is a self-driving pioneer.

While stating such a battle is as relevant as a racing driver's hairstyle comes almost natural, one should consider what happens out there in the real world. Let's face it, many drivers engage in small acceleration fights that start while waiting for the traffic light to turn green, so such a scenario might actually make sense.

Yes, you audiophiles, the oddball-flavored adventure we have here does include a rev battle, despite the result being less than surprising.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories