2008 BMW M3 vs. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (238 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 269 kg more than 1960 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1960 |
| 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 | 338 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
