2001 BMW 320 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 405 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
