1998 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (113 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 160 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| 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 | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
