1972 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 90 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 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | SL |
Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2495 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 272 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |