1987 BMW 320 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1987 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1987 BMW 320. (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1987 BMW 320. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
