1972 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (187 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 481 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | E |
Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |