1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2009 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2009 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 301 kg more than 2009 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2009 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 316 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
