1972 BMW 3 vs. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1500 kg more than 1972 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, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 6330 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
