1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
