1972 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 13 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 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP) has 63 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 218 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | 230 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2299 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 134 HP |
Torque | 272 Nm | 205 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1488 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |