1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 14 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, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1996 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 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW M3. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
