1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2011 BMW 135
To start off, 2011 BMW 135 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 402 kg more than 2011 BMW 135.
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, 2011 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 135 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2011 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 135 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4361 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
