1974 BMW 3 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 377 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, both vehicles can yield 270 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
