1991 BMW M12 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1991 BMW M12. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW M12.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW M12. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW M12. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW M12 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M12 | S |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2950 mm |
