1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. Both 1971 BMW 3 and 2008 Mercedes-Benz E are equipped with a 2,986 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (187 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 335 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 241 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 | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
