1992 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1992 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 100 L |
