2001 BMW M vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2001 BMW M. (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 335 kg more than 2001 BMW M. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.6 L/100km | 17.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
