2008 BMW 118 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 12 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 730 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 118 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
