2008 BMW X3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 110 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 88 L |
