2004 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
