1979 BMW 732 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 732 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1979 BMW 732.
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, 1979 BMW 732 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1979 BMW 732 has manual transmission. 1979 BMW 732 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 732 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 732 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2940 mm |
