1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 174 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 320 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
