1987 BMW 320 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 262 kg more than 1987 BMW 320.
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, 1987 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
