1996 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 88 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | 220 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2197 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 58 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 126 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 21.5:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |