1971 Austin 3 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 41 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, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3.
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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 57 L |
