1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 37 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), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 180 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
