1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 194 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SE | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
