2008 BMW 523 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 134 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
