2009 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (295 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 255 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| 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 | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3080 mm |
