2008 BMW 120 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 341 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 343 HP |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
