1998 BMW 325 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (240 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 784 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 325. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 90 L |
