1988 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 430 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | 300 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
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 | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3430 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |