1990 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 475 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
