1998 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 536 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
