1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 14 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 64 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 171 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2979 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 | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
