1999 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | E |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
