1990 BMW 320 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1990 BMW 320. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 weights approximately 683 kg more than 1990 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 (460 Nm) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 320. (224 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 320. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 320 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E500 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
