1997 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1997 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 316. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW 316 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:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
