1996 BMW 530 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 BMW 530. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
