1966 BMW 1602 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1966 BMW 1602 is newer by 5 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 435 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602. 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1602 | SE |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 100 L |
