1985 BMW 324 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 585 kg more than 1985 BMW 324. 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 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 324 | E |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
