2008 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 2008 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | A |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
