1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1985 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 51 L |
