1988 BMW 316 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320.
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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
