1971 BMW 3 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 5 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 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
