2003 BMW 330 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 330 (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 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, 2003 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 330 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 330 | 260 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2599 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 184 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 410 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2940 mm |