1990 BMW 316 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (187 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
