2009 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250
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 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 284 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 250 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
