1998 BMW 330 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 314 kg more than 1998 BMW 330. 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 (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 330. (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 330. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 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 330 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
