2003 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S

To start off, both 2003 BMW 520 and 2003 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (276 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 BMW 520 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
Make BMW Mercedes-Benz
Model 520 S
Year Released 2003 2003
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2170 cc 4266 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 167 HP 276 HP
Engine RPM 6100 RPM 5750 RPM
Torque 210 Nm 400 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 89.9 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72 mm 84 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.7:1 10.0:1
Top Speed 223 km/hour 250 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 9.5 seconds 7.4 seconds
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1670 kg 1955 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 5050 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2890 mm 2860 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 9.5 L/100km 12.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 88 L