1973 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 621 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
