1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2012 BMW 128
To start off, 2012 BMW 128 is newer by 25 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 128 weights approximately 245 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, 2012 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 128 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 | 2012 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | 128 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
