1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1979 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
