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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 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 546 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1344 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
