1956 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB3. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2620 mm |
