1998 BMW 328 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1998 BMW 328 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 BMW 328. (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 328. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 328 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 328. (280 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 328. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 328 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 328 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 328 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 328 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3080 mm |
