1971 BMW 3 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1971 BMW 3 and 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 12 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | SL |
Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 255 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |