1997 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP) has 106 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 188 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
