1990 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1990 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 85 L |
