1997 BMW 850 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (330 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
