2006 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
