2005 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 145 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (178 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
