2008 BMW 740 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW 740 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 740 (303 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 BMW 740.
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 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 740 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
