1993 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1993 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 215 kg more than 1993 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, 1993 BMW M3 (321 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW M3 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
