1991 BMW 518 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 715 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | S |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2970 mm |
