1996 BMW 332 vs. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1957 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
