1996 BMW M3 vs. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (54 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 254 kg more than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
