1971 Austin 3 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 120 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 Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
