1983 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 745 kg more than 1983 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | E |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
