1999 BMW 323 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 103 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1560 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 |
