2009 BMW 120 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 108 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 350 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
