2001 BMW 320 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 50 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
