1971 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 430 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2890 mm |
