2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 370 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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 (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 120 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 51 L |
