1971 Austin 3 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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, 2009 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
