2001 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 410 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7.3 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 | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
