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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 161 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
