2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 76 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
Because 2009 BMW 530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, both vehicles can yield 320 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | S-Max | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
