2005 BMW 320 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 19 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. 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, 2005 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
