1997 BMW S3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 684 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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 E (400 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S3 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
