1974 BMW 3 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 352 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2585 mm |
