1971 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 175 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 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 | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
