1971 Austin 3 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
