1986 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 575 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
