2009 BMW 316 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 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 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 BMW 316.
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 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 316 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
