1971 BMW 3 vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. (157 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
