1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 35 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1976 BMW 3.3. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 446 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 3.3. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3.3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
