1972 BMW 3 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 406 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
