2008 BMW 120 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 456 kg more than 2008 BMW 120. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 88 L |
