1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2012 BMW 123.
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, 2012 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
