1973 BMW 3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 543 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | SL |
Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3153 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 203 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 830 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |