2001 BMW 320 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2001 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
