2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 3 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford S-Max (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 186 kg more than 2011 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 325 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 2011 BMW 325. 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | S-Max | 325 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 88 mm |
| 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 | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
