1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2730 mm |
