1973 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 425 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
