1992 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
