2004 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (297 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 261 kg more than 2004 BMW M3.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
