2003 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. (204 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 190 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
