2009 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 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 355 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 29.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
