1996 BMW 545 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 149 kg more than 1996 BMW 545.
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 545 (440 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (300 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1799 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 78 L |
