1971 Austin 3 vs. 2009 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 535 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 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 535 weights approximately 245 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, 2009 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 535 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 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| 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 | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
