1995 BMW 317 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 317 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 317 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
