2009 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 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 183 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
