1984 BMW 316 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1984 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
