2001 BMW M3 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. (231 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
