1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 93 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 106 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
