1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 9 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 285 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
