1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 16 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 620 kg more than 2012 BMW 120. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 51 L |
