1988 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 64 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 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 82 L |
