1960 BMW 700 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 BMW 700 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1960 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1960 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 1082 kg more than 1960 BMW 700. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 BMW 700 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 700 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2870 mm |
