1974 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 262 kg more than 1974 BMW 3. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
