2008 BMW X3 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 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 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 2008 BMW X3. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW X3 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 X3 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 6.3 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 | 1740 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 88 L |
