1971 Austin 3 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 38 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, 2009 BMW 118 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 35 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| 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 | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
