2008 BMW 320 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
