1998 BMW 740 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
