1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 vs. 2011 BMW 320
To start off, 2011 BMW 320 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
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, 2011 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | 2011 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 260 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
