2006 BMW 330 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 BMW 330. (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 390 kg more than 2006 BMW 330. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 330. (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
