2006 BMW 320 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 2006 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
