1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 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 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 BMW 3.3. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 196 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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3.3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
