1974 BMW 3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 257 kg more than 1974 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
