1972 BMW 3 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 245 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
