1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 15 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. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2011 BMW 535. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 214 kg more than 2011 BMW 535. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 535 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
