2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 446 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 805 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 769 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5245 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 |
