2009 BMW 120 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 37 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
