1972 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 434 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
