2007 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 11 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 680 kg more than 2007 BMW 523.
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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
