2001 BMW M3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400. (287 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2001 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3050 mm |
