1974 BMW 3 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 19 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (216 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 57 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
