1970 Austin 3 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 42 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 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1970 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin 3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 BMW 120.
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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 3 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
