1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 51 L |
