1987 BMW 324 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 324 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 525 kg more than 1987 BMW 324.
Because 1987 BMW 324 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 324 | A |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
