2009 BMW 120 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1976 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
