1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 15 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3080 mm |
