2008 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
