1998 BMW 325 vs. 2006 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2006 Ford S-Max is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford S-Max (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford S-Max weights approximately 309 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 325 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford S-Max, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2006 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2006 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
