1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 305 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4396 cc | 4700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 429 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 699 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5245 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3165 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |