1971 BMW 3 vs. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 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 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
