2009 BMW 135 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 11 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 365 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 135 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
