1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 40 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 465 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1845 kg |
