1972 BMW 3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 38 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 712 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2010 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5065 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2954 mm |
