1973 BMW 3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (402 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1973 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (580 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C 112 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 307 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
