1963 BMW 502 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1963 BMW 502. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1963 BMW 502. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 502. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 502 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
