1971 BMW 3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 18 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 230 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | S |
Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |