1995 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 425 kg more than 1995 BMW M3.
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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
