1988 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
