1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1115 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
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 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 600 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6330 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2761 mm |
