2009 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 361 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 31 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
