1996 BMW 540 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 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 245 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.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 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 | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
