1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 465 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 230 | E |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
