2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 354 kg more than 1996 BMW 730. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | 730 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
