2002 BMW 320 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 2002 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 385 kg more than 2002 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 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 320 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 560 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3080 mm |
