2008 BMW 550 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 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, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 146 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
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 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
