1991 BMW M12 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW M12 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW M12 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M12 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
