1971 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 16 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 14 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 212 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
