1997 BMW 850 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 95 kg more than 1997 BMW 850. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3090 mm |
