1998 BMW 323 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 445 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 13 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
