2009 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
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 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 240 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
