1988 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 349 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
