2008 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
