2005 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 250 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
