2003 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz R.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | R |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
