1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster 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 535. 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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
