2001 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 420 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
