2001 BMW M vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 505 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 7.3 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 | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 90 L |
