2001 BMW 320 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 17 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
