1972 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 34 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 615 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | CL |
Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3003 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 303 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 272 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
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 | 1885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |