2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 10 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 BMW 550 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | S | 550 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4266 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 275 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 401 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |