1988 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
