2009 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 334 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 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 60 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 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
