1988 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, both 1988 BMW 316 and 1988 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (1988). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80.3 mm |
| 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 | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
