1972 BMW 3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 761 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | S |
Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 801 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2135 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |