1999 BMW 323 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 3 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 560 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 323 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:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
