1972 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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 @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 620 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
