1990 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 330 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
