2003 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | S |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 254 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5096 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 90 L |