1971 BMW 3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 170 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 S (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | S |
Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 255 Nm | 260 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
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 | 1550 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |