1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 32 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (194 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 236 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, 2011 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 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 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 194 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
