1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4266 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 275 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |