1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1976 BMW 3.3. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 381 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 3.3. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3.3 | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 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 | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 88 L |
