1998 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1998 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
