1987 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1987 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 316 (86 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1987 BMW 316.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 316 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1571 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
