1987 BMW 316 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1987 BMW 316 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP) has 139 more horse power than 1987 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1987 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 316 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1571 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 225 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
