2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 BMW 128
To start off, 2012 BMW 128 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 245 kg more than 2012 BMW 128.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 128. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 128. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 128 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 128 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | 128 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2604 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 425 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
