2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
