1996 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 475 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
