1998 BMW 740 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 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1998 BMW 740. (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 282 kg more than 1998 BMW 740. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 740. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
