1998 BMW 316 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 270 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
