2001 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 2 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 135 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 184 kg more than 2001 BMW 520. 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
