1988 BMW M3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 812 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
