2004 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 1 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 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 375 kg more than 2004 BMW 320.
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 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 320 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:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
