1974 BMW 3 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 39 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 2 more horse power than 2013 Mercedes-Benz C. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 72 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3 : 1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4591 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2008 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1444 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |
