1996 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, both 1996 BMW 540 and 1996 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 189 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
