1977 BMW 732 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 732 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 732 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1977 BMW 732 (290 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 732 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 732 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
