1996 BMW 332 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1996 BMW 332.
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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
