2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 674 kg more than 2008 Ford S-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford S-Max. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW X5 (576 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 2011 BMW X5 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. 2011 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | S-Max | X5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2934 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
