1971 Austin 3 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 40 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, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
