1980 BMW 316 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 72 L |
