1971 Austin 3 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 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 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
