1996 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 598 kg more than 1996 BMW M3. 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 (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
