2000 BMW 320 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2000 BMW 320 is newer by 14 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 61 more horse power than 2000 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2000 BMW 320. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 320. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 320 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:
| 2000 BMW 320 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 217 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 | 1595 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
