1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 239 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
