2001 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SE |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
