1963 BMW 1800 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1963 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1963 BMW 1800. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 1800. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1963 BMW 1800 has manual transmission. 1963 BMW 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 1800 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1800 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
