2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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 93 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
