2009 BMW M3 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. (326 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 487 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
