1974 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 33 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (229 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 137 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 248 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
