2001 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2001 BMW 316 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 112 kg more than 2001 BMW 316. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 316 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
