1998 BMW 316 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (93 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1998 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
