1988 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
