1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (238 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 285 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10:01 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
