1973 BMW 3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 23 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 880 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.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G (300 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | G |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
