1974 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 167 kg more than 1974 BMW 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, 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
