1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 255 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 328 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
