2006 BMW M3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. (326 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 463 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
