1990 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 2,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 BMW 320. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 320.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 320. (224 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 320. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 320 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
