1983 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 450 kg more than 1983 BMW 320. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
