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 70 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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 64 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. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 350 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2830 mm |
