1971 BMW 3 vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B
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 300B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. (136 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B weights approximately 325 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. (219 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 300B |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3050 mm |
