1988 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 16 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 480 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
