1971 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 7 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 128 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 5 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | 240 |
Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2399 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |