1990 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1990 BMW 320. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 639 kg more than 1990 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 320. (224 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 320. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 320 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2970 mm |
