1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 BMW 3.3. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 286 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 3.3. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 BMW 3.3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3.3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3080 mm |
