1996 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
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 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
