2008 BMW 130 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 130 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2008 BMW 130. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 685 kg more than 2008 BMW 130. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 130. (315 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 130. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 130 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 130 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 130 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 130 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3090 mm |
