2009 BMW 335 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (261 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 306 kg more than 2009 BMW 335.
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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 335. (400 Nm @ 400 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 335. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 335 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 335 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 335 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
