1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 35 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), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 355 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | CLS |
Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
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 | 288 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 255 Nm | 365 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.2:1 |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |