1971 BMW 3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is newer by 20 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (402 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (580 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C 112 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 307 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
