Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Mercedes-Benz


If you were to compile a list of the greatest sports sedans ever made, what would you put at the very top?

Raise your hand if you said the BMW M3. Now, everybody, put your hands down.

But what if we told you that BMW's standard-bearer was actually created in response to a four-cylinder-powered Mercedes-Benz produced for competition that the factory didn't even want to be a part of? History books tell us that the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 made its first major impact on the world scene when a young Ayrton Senna piloted one to victory at the Nürburgring in a promotional race in 1984.

BMW responded in 1986 with the E30 M3. It boasted more power and less weight, and the two machines did battle in touring and rally racing for the next decade. But which one is a better car?

Automobile Magazine decided to find out. One stock 190E 2.3-16 and one stock M3 (though a later Sport Evo model, making the comparo a bit lopsided) were procured in Germany and driven 'round the 'Ring. We won't spoil the video by telling you which was declared the victor, but we will tell you that host Jason Cammisa purchased one of them and shipped it home.

Scroll down below to watch the video, and to find out which machine has a new home in California.Continue reading Automobile pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner
Automobile pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Difficult decision.. I think i would choose the Benz but I would be happy with either one.

Funny I just had this conversation about an hour ago. I bolted from Saab after some problems and though I could not find a 2.3 Cosworth type since they were so rare here, I settled for a very smooth 6 cylinder with better power and torque than the stock Merc. It was smooth and fast especially after some suspension upgrades. Shocks and springs and I was going to start on the brakes but sadly a farm truck pulled out in front of it. My bud and I were talking about trying a rescue on a 16 valve since I know where one is sitting with flat tires alongside this guys old jewelry shop. Pity because I'm sure it's the real deal with the wing though he did "pimp daddy" the wheels and chromed a few other items. I may even settle for a 6 cylinder and start over ..... one drawback .... they do not like snow and you would have to pull out the whole bag of tricks just to make it marginal, like mega-tires and weight in the trunk. It would replace the Volvo XC as a spare but the XWD would be the winter mainstay. And yes, in crash, the Mercedes saved my sorry ass, it almost looked as if with a hood and fenders it would live again .... till you looked at the pans crinkled and wavy.

This 190 was one of my true favorite cars.

I'll take the 190 any day. I always go for the lesser known or the underdog. The E30 M3 while an excellent car is too mainstream for me. And the 190 is a better car too.

Odd, the post, my discussion with my old car bud and last night they had the 190 "Cosworth" featured on a Top Gear rerun. So, I dialed up AutoTrader and luck and joy there is one locally for sale and by a guy who cant spell or is so stoned .... He spent $35,000 and two years to rebuild it and with only 182,000 miles he wants $26,800 little gems little gem.

For a car that has like about 180 horsepower? Fun and cool car but in perspective IMHO, it's not $26k worth of cool, not when you could be driving a "Magnum" 308 Ferrari for a bit over $20 odd thousand?