1983 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320.
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 S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
