1971 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 31 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 80 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | SE |
Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 169 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |