1996 BMW 545 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 324 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 545 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
