1965 AC 427 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC 427. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC 427 would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC 427 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC 427 (410 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC 427 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1965 AC 427.
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, 1965 AC 427 (652 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1965 AC 427 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1965 AC 427 has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 AC 427 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1965 AC 427 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
Make | AC | BMW |
Model | 427 | 3 |
Year Released | 1965 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 410 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 652 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1397 kg | 1433 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4720 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |