1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 160 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.3.
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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3.3 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 85 L |
