1992 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1992 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1992 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
