1996 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 32 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
