2008 BMW 320 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 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 5 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 1990 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
