1998 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 325 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1825 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
