1990 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 280 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
