1999 BMW 323 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 210 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 | 1457 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
