1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. Both 1996 Mercedes-Benz S and 2009 BMW 330 are equipped with a 2,996 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 430 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
