1998 BMW 320 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
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 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 134 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 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
