1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1966 BMW 1600 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 85 L |
