1998 BMW M vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 192 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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 E (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1642 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 66 L |
