1970 Austin 3 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 3 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1970 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1970 Austin 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 3 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
