1998 BMW 320 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
