2009 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz W 110 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | W 110 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
