1971 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 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 32 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
