1988 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 20 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 450 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 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 | 1650 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 |
