1974 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 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 19 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 57 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.6 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2770 mm |
