1987 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (136 HP @ 2600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 517 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
