2003 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
