1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 2010 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 273 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2660 mm |
