1971 Austin 3 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| 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 | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
