1969 Austin 3-Litre vs. 1997 BMW Z3
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Austin 3-Litre weights approximately 97 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 3-Litre | 1997 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3-Litre | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
