1970 Austin 3 vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 27 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1970 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin 3 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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 M3 (236 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 3. (218 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 3 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
