1997 BMW 316 vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1997 BMW 316 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 (122 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 316 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 (178 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
