1996 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 305 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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 (320 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
