1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW X5 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2934 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 85 L |
