2006 BMW M3 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1951 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
