1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 38 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 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 175 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 170 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
